Experiences the Entire Family Will Love

Take a family golf lesson, go for a bike or horseback ride on a mountain trail, see a jaguar up-close at The Living Desert Zoo, or frolic in your resort pool. Whether your clients are 8 or 80, there is so much to see and do in Greater Palm Springs throughout the year. Need some family getaway ideas for those seeking a holiday this fall, winter and spring? It's easy to entertain kids and adults in our enchanting, affordable Southern California desert vacation destination. Here's a look at a few phenomenal attractions to help you plan your Greater Palm Springs itineraries:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

One of the most popular attractions in the area, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway features the world's largest rotating tram cars that ascend two and one half miles from the valley floor to the pristine mountain wilderness above – and in only 15 minutes! Year-round activities atop the mountain include 54 miles of hiking trails within the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness area, overnight camping, guided nature walks, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Riders can pack a picnic or enjoy dining at the Top of the Tram or Elevations restaurants. The tramway also offers a popular Ride n' Dine package. www.pstramway.com.

The Living Desert Zoo

Located in Palm Desert and Indian Wells, the 1,800-acre Living Desert Zoo and conservation park offers a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages. The Living Desert Zoo is home to more than 450 animals – from giraffes to iguanas – and a diversity of native plant species. The Zoo offers several interpretive exhibits along a scenic hiking trail, children's activities, group tours and packages, and special events throughout the year. The Berger Foundation's annual WildLights Holiday Festival is a yuletide favorite. www.livingdesert.org.

Desert Adventures Eco-Tours

San Andreas Earthquake Faultline Tours

Visitors with a sense of adventure will definitely want to explore the desert's striking landscape along the San Andreas Fault Zone via exciting off-road Jeep and Hummer tours. Experienced guides share fascinating facts about the area's unique geology, history, desert plants and animals, and Native American culture. Other sample excursions your clients can choose from include experiencing archeological digs or panning for gold at a replica old mining camp; taking an exhilarating ride through narrow, steep-walled canyons; and fascinating nighttime stargazing adventures. Sightseeing tour companies include Adventure Hummer Tours, Big Wheel Tours, Desert Adventures Eco-Tours and Events, Elite Land Tours, and Five Star Adventures Tours.

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

The magnificent mountains surrounding Greater Palm Springs contain a vast treasure of wildlife and natural resources; so much so that in 2000, an act of the United States Congress designated them a national monument. Today, locals and visitors flock to this vast 272,000 acre preserve for miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as overnight camping, wildflower viewing, and many more activities. The National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert is a great place for visitors to begin their exploration. Click here to view an interactive brochure of the Monument.

Indian Canyons

Indian Canyons

Whether a serious hike or spur-of-the-moment picnic by a stream, an outing in Palm Springs' ancient Indian Canyons is a must for any new desert visitor who appreciates history and nature. Palm, Murray, and Andreas Canyon all offer ample opportunities to traverse trails and picnic in lush oases. Nearby Tahquitz Canyon is site of a spectacular 60-foot cascading waterfall. Guided hikes and group rates are available. Stop by the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum to learn more about the indigenous Native American tribes who settled the region centuries ago. www.indian-canyons.com.

Windy Point Sand Dunes

Family members of all ages will love the thrill of zipping up and down the sand dunes at Windy Point on a quad all-terrain vehicles (ATV) provided by OffRoad Rentals. Anyone six years and older can drive ATVs; the younger tykes can ride on trailers. Thorough instruction, safety helmets, goggles, soft drinks and water are provided. www.offroadrentals.com.

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

This state-of-the-art, eight-acre swimming facility in Palm Desert is the desert's coolest new attraction. The Aquatic Center features an Olympic-sized competition pool with one- and three-meter diving boards, large recreation pool with two slides, a children's pool with small slides and fun water features, and a 7,000-square-foot main building with separate dressing rooms and concession area. All or part of the facility can be rented for corporate events and special occasions. More info >>